Transit Police welcome new officers

Mukhtar Abdi spent ten years interacting with the public as a Metro Transit bus operator. He’ll continue to do so, but in a much different way.

This week, Abdi was among 13 men and women who were sworn in as the newest members of the Metro Transit Police Department in front of friends, family and fellow officers.

“I really just wanted to serve the community in a new way, to have more interactions and more engagement,” said Abdi, the latest officer of Somali descent to join the department.

With the latest hires, the department now has 108 full-time officers. With another 100 part-time officers, the department is among the largest in the state. Transit Police patrol busy transit areas and regularly ride on buses and trains. They can respond to any call for service in Metro Transit’s seven-county service area.

In addition to growing the force, the new class builds on the department’s continuing efforts to diversify and reflect the community it serves. Around half of the new hires speak a second language; there are also three officers of Hmong descent. Six of the new officers are female.

The group also highlights the department’s efforts to build from within, with five officers previously serving as Community Service Officers. CSOs assist officers and police staff while pursuing law enforcement degrees.

“We’re creating a pathway for people right here at Metro Transit to pursue their dreams without having to go anywhere,” Police Chief John Harrington said.